Which of the following is a requirement for trench safety?

Placing excavated material at least 2 feet away from the edges of a trench is critical for ensuring trench safety. This practice helps to prevent the risk of the walls collapsing due to the weight and pressure of the soil that is too close to the edge, which can lead to dangerous cave-ins. By keeping the material away from the trench, workers reduce the likelihood of accidents and create a safer working environment.

While using powered tools, shoring at certain depths, and marking the area might contribute to overall safety measures, they do not address the specific risks associated with trench excavation as effectively as maintaining the proper distance between excavated material and trench edges. This distance is a standard safety protocol that directly impacts the stability of the trench walls and worker safety.